There has been talk lately of the new version of the Gospel Caravan tour that traveled in the early 1960s, which included groups like The LeFevres, The Prophets Quartet, The Blue Ridge Quartet, and The Johnson Sisters. At the 100th Anniversary Celebration at NQC 2010, the new Caravan troupe debuted, featuring the LeFevre Quartet, The Blackwood Brothers, and the Chuck Wagon Gang. A tour is slated to begin in Spring 2011 and the groups are currently at work on a studio album, but in the meantime, here’s a video press release discussing the Caravan:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbt5y9rYsPI

A visit to the Singing News website brought this press release to my attention:

Memphis, TN - Jimmy Blackwood and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet are happy to announce the addition of pianist, Mike Hammontree, of Jacksonville, Florida. Mike began playing piano at the age of four, and at six years old was accepted in the Jacksonville University Conservatory of Music.
For the last fifteen years he has been the minister of music at Southside Assembly of God in Jacksonville, and recently resigned to fulfill the plans he felt God had for his life.
Jimmy said, “We heard about Mike and invited him to play for us at Bill Bailey’s Winter Quartet Convention in February, and again for several Florida concerts in March. We were the first quartet he ever played for and it seemed like a perfect match from the start.”
Mike’s wife, Dana and their sons Chad and Chase said, “This has always been a dream of Mike’s and now has become reality.” Mike says, “I’ve always been a Blackwood.”
For more information, visit www.blackwoodbrothers.com/index.html.

When Brad White left the group last year, they lost both a baritone vocalist and pianist. While White only played piano on certain songs, it still recalled the “old days” of the Blackwood Brothers, when they traveled with a pianist backing up the vocals. With this hire, they will have a full-time pianist with them, and more opportunity to do piano-and-voices moments in their concerts.

Folks, let me say this; having a life isn’t fun!

All kidding aside, I’ve been busy, busy, busy with stuff outside of this blog and haven’t had much of a chance to sit down and write a thing! Here’s some things I’ve missed:

1. GoldCityTribute.com has been launched by fellow blogger Brandon Coomer. Like the Cathedrals Tribute site run by Daniel Mount, this site is a great place to find all things related to the history of a particular group. The information is well-researched and written, so go take a look!

2. Blackwood Brothers Announce New Baritone Singer In a press release at the Singing News website today:

Memphis, TN – The Blackwood Brothers Quartet are excited to announce the addition of a new member. Jimmy’s younger brother, Billy, has joined the group, filling the baritone spot. Billy played drums with the group back in the seventies, but has pursued a solo ministry career since that time. Billy plays drums on the new record and has also helped with vocal arrangements.
This is a new day for the Blackwood Brothers, the beginning of a new era of gospel music ministry, continuing the tradition and taking it to new levels.
We would like to thank Brad White for his years of service with the group and pray God’s blessing on his solo ministry.

It’s nice to see Jimmy bringing another Blackwood back into the long roster of Blackwood Brothers members. It’s a smart move in two ways: longtime fans will already be familiar with Billy, and the fact that he has already been involved in the new project will help to fit him in seamlessly. This Blackwood group has a very solid sound, and it will be great to hear them sing new material on the new project.

Good to back with you all after a week in the Word at camp. Let’s see what I missed in my absence:

1. The Gold City lineup change rumors are back, and I’m still not buying it till I see a confirmation. I couldn’t put it better than AVFL commenter HP did:

As far as the GC rumors, I think they’ll need to come forward to clear it up. Though, I think the longer it all goes “unconfirmed” the more likely some part of the rumor is true. As in this genre it seems the smaller truth gets blown up into a large, widely circulated rumor. Could it be that group “moves” are becoming more entertaining than the music/performances themselves?

2. Speaking of which, Tim Riley will be appearing with Gold City at the Mull’s Singing Convention next month. Combined with the rumors that Aaron McCune is leaving, this is giving people fits. At any rate, it’s just a special guest appearance. (h/t, Wes)

3. Wes was on a roll last week, also posting the story that Daywind Records has signed the Blackwood Brothers. This is the group that features tenor Wayne Little, lead Jimmy Blackwood, baritone/pianist Brad White, and bass Randy Byrd. One of the best quartets on the road today, Daywind has made a great move in signing this group. I’m looking forward to the debut Daywind release from these guys.